September is a magical month for Viterbo. The air cools, the colors of the countryside turn golden, and the city prepares to experience one of the most intense and distinctive moments of the year: the Santa Rosa Machine. An event that combines faith, entertainment and tradition, and which finds its natural completion in the authentic flavors of Tuscia, land of oil, wine and ancient perfumes.
The Enchantment of September in Viterbo and the Macchina di Santa Rosa
Every year, on the evening of September 3, Viterbo comes to a halt. The lights go out, silence falls on the streets of the historic center, and then, suddenly, the city lights upThe Macchina di Santa Rosa is raised to the sky, carried by the "Facchini" between two lines of people. It's a breathtaking spectacle, a ritual that encapsulates centuries of devotion and popular pride.
Over thirty meters tall, the Macchina is an imposing luminous tower dedicated to Saint Rose, patron saint of Viterbo. Each year it takes on different forms, designed by local artists and architects, but its heart remains the same: a torch of faith and beauty that passes through the night, carried on shoulders through the narrow medieval streets of the center.
For those visiting Viterbo, experiencing the Macchina di Santa Rosa is a memorable experience: you breathe in the history, you feel the collective pulse of a community united by passion. It's the perfect time to discover the most authentic side of Tuscia, where every tradition speaks of light, courage, and deep roots.
A tradition that lights up the heart and illuminates the city
The transport of the Machine is not only a celebration, but a cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The Porters, in red and white uniforms, embody the spirit of Saint Rose: strength, faith, and sacrifice. Their march, punctuated by the cry "Sotto col ciuffo!" (Let's get the tuft!), is the heartbeat of Viterbo.
Anyone who arrives in the city during those days is overwhelmed by a collective emotion. Decorated streets, crowded balconies, the scent of toasted hazelnuts and traditional sweets filling the air: September in Viterbo is an explosion of life and identity. Every detail tells a story, every stone recalls centuries of faith.
And after admiring the Machine glistening in the darkness of the night, it's natural to want to stop, savor, and breathe in the land. A few kilometers from Viterbo, among the olive groves that outline the hills, the Cerrosughero Oil Mill by Laura De Parri welcomes visitors with the same passion and authenticity of the festival.
Between autumn scents and authentic flavors of Tuscia
September is not only the month of celebrations, but also the month of rebirth of nature After summer. The Tuscia countryside smells of grape harvest, the walnuts begin to fall, and the olive groves prepare for harvest. It's the perfect time to discover the genuine flavors that have always told the story of this land: oil, wine, cheeses and warm bread.
Walking between Canino, Marta, and Tuscania, the landscape alternates between golden hills and pristine villages. Here, the art of simple living blends with flavor: every tavern, every shop offers dishes that have the flavor of authenticity. From Purgatory beans to bruschetta with Canino Extra Virgin Olive Oil, every taste is a return to the origins.
And when the scent of new oil spreads, the emotion is the same as watching the Macchina di Santa Rosa parade: a light that warms the soul. This is the strength of Tuscia—a region that combines emotion, roots, and flavor in a single, unforgettable experience.
From the party to the table: the experience at Frantoio Cerrosughero
After a day among the illuminated streets of Viterbo and the medieval villages, there is no better way to conclude the trip than with a sensory experience at Cerrosughero Oil Mill in Canino. Here, Laura De Parri's welcome transforms every visit into a story: among centuries-old olive trees and the scent of freshly cut grass, you discover the heart of the’oil tourism in Tuscia.
The perfect tour for those who want to fully experience the magic of September is the “Tastes of Tuscia Maremmana” Tour” (€25 – 2h). Includes a guided tour of the oil mill, a technical tasting of three extra virgin olive oils and a light lunch with typical local productsCured meats, cheeses, and fragrant bread. An opportunity to understand the connection between peasant labor and product quality.
From the fervor of the festival to the golden calm of the olive grove, it's a short step. It's a sensory and cultural journey that captures the essence of Tuscia in all its authenticity: authenticity, nature and tradition. A way to take home not just a memory, but an experience that speaks to the heart and the palate.
September in Viterbo is a month that lights up the city and awakens the senses. After the overwhelming emotion of the Macchina di Santa Rosa, let yourself be guided by the scents and flavors of the land: book yours! Tasting experience at the Cerrosughero oil mill and discover how the beauty of traditions can continue to live on, drop by drop, in Canino extra virgin olive oil.
Book your "Tastes of Tuscia Maremmana" tour now.“ and prepare your senses for a September to remember.